Following Tucker Carlson’s departure from Fox News, the ever-grinding rumor mill kicked into high gear and whispers started to swirl immediately about where he might land, with one of the contenders being One America News Network (OANN) which has reportedly offered him $25 million.
San Diego-based OANN made it known they are seeking to hire the conservative 53-year-old Maine resident. Although it is doubtful that Carlson will bite on the offer, it is floating out there.
He may also be contractually constrained from taking such an offer and is far more likely to strike out on his own as conservative Dan Bongino has done. He recently left Fox News as well. Carlson could go the route that Joe Rogan has gone and become a podcasting powerhouse in his own right, raking in millions in the process. His options are limitless at this point considering his draw.
Carlson was pulling in a rumored $20 million a year at Fox News. He’s reportedly already independently wealthy so he is likely to bide his time and consider all his options before leaping.
Tucker Carlson Leaves Fox Nation
Maybe Fox News' loss could be @OANN's gain, Founder and CEO @RobHerring would like to extend an invitation to Carlson to meet for negotiation.https://t.co/O5KmsPyhyx#OAN #TuckerCarlson #FauxNews #FoxNews @TuckerCarlson pic.twitter.com/MEU3f5CG77— One America News (@OANN) April 24, 2023
Hours after Carlson was, for all intents and purposes, canned at Fox News, he started getting pitched by OANN CEO and founder Robert Herring Sr. as well as other outlets.
“@RobHerring would like to extend an invitation to Carlson to meet for negotiation,” OANN tweeted.
In an interview with the Times of San Diego, Herring stated, “It would be great if we could get Tucker! I might give him around $25 million. And he would be well worth that!”
Glenn Beck who owns TheBlaze has also extended an invitation to Carlson to join his conservative network. Many others would love to have him on board as well.
Fox News' goodbye message to @TuckerCarlson sure looks like what they said when I left. I have a feeling this will KILL Fox. pic.twitter.com/oOFXnv4sKp
— Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) April 24, 2023
The offers weren’t limited just to news organizations. Kevin Roberts, who is the founder of the Heritage Foundation, tweeted there will “always be a home” for Carlson at the organization. Carlson had worked for the Heritage Foundation early in his career and delivered the keynote address at the DC-based institution’s 50th-anniversary celebration Friday, the same day his last show aired.
I've said it before and I will say it again, @TuckerCarlson is a fearless American who is unafraid to challenge the Washington regime, ask tough questions, and hold the ruling elite accountable.
Tucker, @Heritage will always be a home for you. pic.twitter.com/EZ6SjKL2yG
— Kevin Roberts (@KevinRobertsTX) April 24, 2023
Even Russia Today, now known as RT, made an offer, “Hey @TuckerCarlson, you can always question more with @RT_com.” That offer smacks of propaganda, obviously.
The New York Times reported, “Howard Polskin, who compiles a daily newsletter, TheRighting, that tracks conservative news outlets, said that Mr. Carlson could join niche networks like NewsNation or Newsmax. He could start his own media brand, like Dan Bongino, the conservative pundit who also parted ways with Fox last week, Mr. Polskin said.”
Eddie McCoven, who worked at OANN for nearly three years, says he doubts Carlson would end up at OANN “because with such a small reach now, what budget do they have for such a big name?”
“It remains to be seen if OANN will survive the lawsuit it is facing from Dominion,” he noted. “Many colleagues tell me they can’t even keep basic newsroom positions staffed. OANN lacks the programming direction needed to support top-tier talk show talent.”
“If anything, I’d expect to see Carlson end up working for Newsmax or even NewsNation in some capacity, but I can’t see him being anything more than a contributor. I’m sure we’ll see him end up like other far-right personalities with his own self-produced podcast or online video show. He’ll maintain a following so long as the bills get paid, then fade into obscurity,” McCoven cluelessly added, making it exceedingly clear why he is no longer with OANN.
Former CNN “Reliable Sources” host Brian Stelter said it is doubtful Carlson would move to OANN, tweeting, “Carlson is so much bigger than OAN, and he wouldn’t sink this low, but still notable.”
"One America News founder and CEO Robert Herring would like to extend an invitation to Carlson to meet for negotiation to become a part of the OAN team."
Carlson is so much bigger than OAN, and he wouldn't sink this low, but still notable… https://t.co/CcjsFmK1Fw
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) April 24, 2023
Cynthia Kaui, the president and chair of San Diego Young Republicans, said in a statement: “With Tucker Carlson hailing from San Diego, we are grateful for his attention to issues that challenged conventional narratives and his dedication to bringing the highest level of journalism to his viewership.”
“Tucker has been on cable TV for a long time, so the trending pivots of media consumption will force different pundits to make a shift in their professional careers to adapt. I suspect Tucker will be launching an independent project soon. Our members get their news from various outlets, and Tucker will continue to be an important voice that conservatives seek out regardless of what he does next,” she posited.
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